THE Prince of Wales was the busiest member of the Royal Family and shouldered an increasing amount of the Queen’s workload in 2013, research revealed yesterday.

Compared to the Queen's 344 engagements in 2013, Prince Charles has had over 500 [PA]

The first in line to the throne, 65, attended 442 engagements in the UK and 95 on official overseas tours.

This included 161 official visits and opening ceremonies, 87 receptions, lunches, dinners and banquets and 194 other engagements, including investitures, meetings attended and audiences given.

Princess Anne, 63, the Princess Royal, was next with 432 engagements in Britain and 22 overseas.

Prince Charles appears to be increasing his workload as the Queen gradually reduces hers.

However, the monarch, 87, still managed 344 engagements but did not venture overseas.

Her famously resilient husband Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, 92, attended 180 engagements in the UK and four abroad.

This was despite exploratory surgery on his abdomen in June which meant 11 days in hospital.

Joe Little, of Majesty Magazine, said: “It is a very subtle change from one to the other but Charles is gradually taking on more responsibility from the Queen. It’s been happening for some time and that process will continue.

The Queen appears to be deferring her engagements to Prince Charles [GETTY]

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Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, went on 175 home and 71 overseas visits over the past year

“For example, the Queen didn’t attend the recent Commonwealth heads of government meeting, which she always has. Charles and Camilla went instead.

“Royals are expected to work hard to justify the public expenditure.

“However, Camilla has said that Charles is a bit of a workaholic, who always like to keep busy, and these figures show that.”

Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, went on 175 home and 71 overseas visits over the past year. Prince Harry, 29, who had served a second tour in Afghanistan, fulfilled 52 engagements, the fewest of the senior royals.